Could you introduce yourself?
I am Babatunde Olaifa, the country head of GOMYCODE, Nigeria.
What is GOMYCODE all about?
GOMYCODE is a digital tech start-up that operates a network of physical and online schools. We provide training in the most in-demand tech skills, with the goal of accelerating Africa’s transition to the digital economy. Our free weekly summer lessons and specialized programs, including those focused on Java, graphics, and AI, aim to equip people, especially young individuals, with the necessary expertise. We also guarantee job placement within six months after completion of our training.
How long has GOMYCODE been operating in Nigeria?
GOMYCODE has been in existence for approximately six years, starting in Tunisia in 2017. We have since expanded to nine countries, including Nigeria. In Nigeria, we have locations in Ikeja, Lekki, Yaba, Festac Town, and we are now entering Abuja. Over the past year, we have trained over 30,000 individuals worldwide, with over a thousand of them in Nigeria.
What does the future of tech look like in Nigeria?
We are currently living in a digital world where technology is involved in almost every field. The future is undoubtedly in tech, and individuals without tech skills may struggle to fit into the system. Technology offers a plethora of opportunities, with those possessing tech skills finding employment or becoming employers themselves. While some jobs may be lost due to advancements like AI, other roles will be created as a result. It’s a fifty-fifty situation.
There is a global shift towards a tech-driven economy, with over 200 million tech jobs available worldwide. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of qualified individuals to fill these positions. We receive countless emails from tech companies desperately seeking skilled workers. Africa, including Nigeria, is lagging behind in technology adoption, resulting in many graduates without appropriate skills and limited job prospects. To avoid being left behind, we must prioritize upskilling.
Technology is the future, offering innovation, improved efficiency, and increased productivity.
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